The word is originally derived from a Chinese expression written with the same characters.[nb 1] The Chinese characters (少 and 女) literally mean young/little and woman respectively.[2] In Japanese, these kanji refer specifically to a young woman approximately 7–18 years old.[3]

Translation: The myth of Yao: the country is being invaded by barbarians, the king is looking for warriors who are capable of taking the head of the general of the invading army, and for this the king will award (a) thousand Yi [6] of gold, (a) myriad of houses and young girl(s) as their wife/wives.

In the 7th century, the word was introduced into the Japanese language through the adoption of the Chinese-style Ritsuryō legal system, where it referred to females between the ages of 17 and 20.[3][7]

In legal settings, shōjo is a subset of shōnen (meaning "minor") and refers to any female juvenile who has not reached the age of 20.[8]

In Japan, the word shōjo has many applications outside of the law. It refers to anything of, for, or about school-age girls.[9] Examples include shōjo manga, shōjo culture,[10]shōjo novels, shōjo hobbies, and shōjo fashions, among others.

^The word girl in English has complex meanings, and care is needed in its use. See Francoeur, R.T., Martha Cornog, Timothy Perper, and Norman A. Scherzer 1995 The Complete Dictionary of Sexology, New Expanded Edition. New York: Continuum.